An update on sick building syndrome

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What the heck does personality traits have to do with SBS

Current Opinion in Allergy and Clinical Immunology:Volume 9(1)February 2009p

55-59

An update on sick building syndrome

http://www.co-allergy.com/pt/re/coallergy/abstract.00130832-200902000-00011.htm;\

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[Mechanisms of allergy and adult asthma: Edited by T. Holgate and J.

Grant]

Norb�ck, Dan

Department of Medical Science, Occupational and Environmental Medicine,

University Hospital, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden

Correspondence to Dan Norb�ck, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of

Medical Science, Uppsala University, Occupational and Environmental Medicine,

University Hospital, SE-75185 Uppsala, Sweden Tel: +46 18 611 36 49; fax: +46

18 51 99 78; e-mail: dan.norback@...

Abstract

Purpose of review: The aim is to describe recent insight into risk factors for

symptoms included in the sick building syndrome (SBS) and to give an insight

into preventive work to reduce SBS.

Recent findings: New studies have added evidence for the role of personality

traits and psychosocial work environment, reactive chemistry and the

inflammatory properties of indoor particles for SBS. Field studies using

physiological methods and measurements of oxidative stress can lead to better

understanding of the cause of SBS. Moreover, there is an increased focus on the

indoor environment and 'sick house syndrome' in Asia.

Summary: SBS is related to both personal and environmental risk factors. In

the office environment, SBS may have important economical implications. More

focus is needed on the indoor environment in schools and day care centres,

hospitals and nursing homes for elderly. Improvements of the home environment

may be the most cost-effective way to reduce the burden of indoor exposure. The

link between indoor and outdoor air pollution should not be neglected, and the

role of energy saving and climate changes will be an important future issue.